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SoftBank to Build Massive AI Data Center on Closed Sharp Factory Site, Targeting 2025 Launch
- Writing language: Korean
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Base country: Japan
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- Information Technology
0000-00-00 00:00:00
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SoftBank and Sharp have agreed to build a large-scale AI data center on the site of Sharp's liquid crystal panel factory in Sakai City, Japan. In May, Sharp decided to halt panel production at the Sakai factory in the first half of 2024 due to financial difficulties.
SoftBank plans to build the data center early by utilizing Sharp's Sakai factory's land, buildings, power facilities, and cooling systems. Through this agreement, the two companies will seek collaboration in AI-related businesses.
The newly built AI data center will cover approximately 440,000 square meters, which is about 60% of the Sharp Sakai factory site, and have a total floor area of approximately 750,000 square meters.
By building an AI data center utilizing the Sakai factory site, SoftBank is expected to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor-based computing system and secure the data processing capabilities necessary for generative AI development and AI-related businesses. In addition, the data center is scheduled to be open to external organizations such as universities, research institutions, and companies.
SoftBank is expected to strengthen its competitiveness in the Japanese data center market and accelerate AI technology development by building an AI data center at the Sakai factory.
Sharp has gained the opportunity to diversify its business portfolio and explore new revenue generation opportunities by utilizing the factory site.
Meanwhile, Sharp has begun discussions with KDDI and others to build an AI data center on the Sakai factory site. The Sharp Sakai factory has ideal location conditions for building large-scale data centers in Japan, increasing the likelihood of future collaboration with various companies.
SoftBank plans to start construction in the fall of 2024 and begin full-scale operation of the data center in 2025.
This collaboration between SoftBank and Sharp is expected to play a significant role in the development of the Japanese AI industry.
